Following our campaign to shutter the Holtsville Ecology Site and calls for Brookhaven to stop exploiting “Holtsville Hal” for Groundhog Day, Brookhaven canceled its live event and posted a virtual poem online instead.
“’Humane Long Island is thrilled with Brookhaven’s decision not to expose Holtsville Hal to flashing cameras, human handling, or noisy crowds this Groundhog Day, following outcry from former employees and the public,’ DiLeonardo told Greater Long Island. ‘Groundhogs are shy animals who would never choose to be put on display, especially in February when they should be hibernating.’
DiLeonardo added that Humane Long Island is urging Incorporated Village of Malverne ‘to follow suit by letting Malverne Mel sleep through next year’s festivities.’
‘Our campaign to save the animals at Holtsville Ecology Site continues as we urge Brookhaven to take the next step by retiring Holtsville Hal and all of his friends to reputable sanctuaries where they can live more natural lives,’ he said.”